Cosmetic surgery is a surgical procedure performed for aesthetic purposes – such as to get a slimmer waist, larger breasts, or a smaller nose. Unfortunately,  it’s often considered a ‘light’ surgery and lumped in the same category as fillers and makeup. At Berlet Plastic Surgery, we always tell our patients that this is not true. Cosmetic surgery is a major surgery and needs to be treated as such.

Dr. Anthony Berlet finds that many patients take cosmetic surgery lightly, and expect to be able to go home and start working the very next day. This is neither safe nor healthy, and in this article, he will share tips for having the best cosmetic surgery recovery in New Jersey.

Why is post-surgery care important?

Proper care after surgery is important so you can heal quickly without complications, and avoid putting yourself at risk of infection.

For example, breast enhancement is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in America. It gives women an enormous self-esteem and confidence boost. The procedure involves making an incision below each breast (in the crease), carefully separating the muscle from the breast tissue, inserting an implant and adjusting it to see whether the result looks good, and then suturing the incision shut.

It is major surgery, and carelessness will result in severe problems. Possible complications include scarring, bruising, bleeding, pain, seromas, and infections.

If you take care of yourself and avoid exertion after surgery, you should be able to avoid all these complications. There is usually some pain (for which you’ll be given medication), but it’s manageable. Usually, patients can walk around and drive a week or two after surgery, and start going to work after a couple of weeks.

General tips for after cosmetic surgery in NJ

Your doctor will give you a list of dos and don’ts, so try to stick to them as much as possible. These aren’t suggestions that you can ignore if they inconvenience you – these are doctor’s orders. You should only ignore them if you absolutely have to. In case you have any questions, you can call the clinic.

  1. When going for surgery, talk to your friends and family and make sure someone can come to get you after the procedure. You will absolutely not be able to drive and will need help getting into the car, so choose someone who can help with that.
  2. The doctor will ask you to come for a follow-up visit a few days or weeks after surgery. When you do, he/she will check that you are healing well and that the surgery’s results look good. If you have any questions or concerns, write them down in a notebook and remember to ask your doctor at this time. Don’t miss the follow-up appointment; this is a very important step.
  3. Both before and after surgery, you should abstain from drinking alcohol and smoking. Not only will this prevent complications, but it’ll also make the recovery process quicker and less painful. Eating healthy food is also a step that will help. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of water.

Cosmetic surgery recovery time

The most common question people ask regarding cosmetic surgery refers to what they can expect post-procedure. However, the answer is not simple. Cosmetic surgery recovery time varies based on the type of procedure and the individual patient. For specific recovery information, ask your doctor. The recovery process will be unique to you.

Care guide for facial procedures

After facial surgeries – facelifts, eyelifts, and nose surgeries – you’ll want to take good care of your face. You will be sore after the surgery, but doctors advise regularly cleaning the skin. Ask your doctor if you’re feeling worried about it. We recommend a mild cleaning routine so your pores can breathe. Use a gentle moisturizer afterward.

If you’re prone to bruising, you can ask your doctor and take Arnica Montana if he or she gives you the go-ahead. To deal with swelling, use ice or cold compresses. This is particularly important in the first few days after surgery. Don’t apply pressure to the affected area, but gently hold a cold compress over your skin to alleviate the swelling. Sleep with your head slightly elevated (over your heart) to avoid swelling overnight.

You may want to avoid talking too much (and laughing), as these are painful after a facelift or rhinoplasty. Brushing your teeth will also need care. Brush gently but thoroughly, and if it’s painful you can consider brushing just once a day the first couple days after surgery. Using a mouthwash will help.

You can start wearing makeup once your skin heals completely and you have no open wounds. Wearing makeup before your skin heals is not safe. If you must go out in public, apply a bandage over the affected area.

Care guide for breast procedures

Dr. Berlet, who is a leading figure in cosmetic surgery in NJ, worked as a surgeon for over 20 years and performed countless breast enhancement surgeries. Other breast procedures include lifts, reductions, and reconstruction – although the last isn’t usually referred to as cosmetic surgery (instead of being called plastic surgery).

After a breast procedure, you may need to wear a specially designed bra for support. This is usually needed after breast enhancement, because the sutures may not be able to bear the weight of your breast.

Apart from that, you will be instructed to not lift your arms above your head. If you keep daily use items high up, remember to move them to a lower shelf before the surgery. You may need help combing your hair. You can comb your hair if it’s to your side, but that may cause a little pain. So if you can get your friend or partner to help you, that’d be ideal.

The first few days after surgery you’ll be instructed to get as much rest as possible. You can spend your time reading, or shopping for clothes. After all, you’ll need some new clothes that flatter your brand-new figure!

 

Care guide for body procedures

Body-related procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck, and mommy makeovers are very popular, because not only do they give you a younger body overall, but they could give you a body you’ve never had. In America, liposuction is the second-most requested cosmetic surgical procedure after breast augmentation.

The one downside of body procedures is that they are usually a little more painful than other surgeries. You’ll be given medication appropriately, and please only use it as directed. After undergoing body-related cosmetic surgery in NJ, you will need to get rest all the time till the doctor says you’re ready to engage in physical activity.

You’ll have to avoid bending, stretching, getting up, sitting down with a jolt, or straining your body in any way whatsoever. Even if it isn’t painful, strain could cause damage and so we strongly advise against working or doing chores before the doctor gives you the go-ahead. This is usually in a few weeks.

You should keep the incisions clean and dry, so it is recommended that you take daily showers once you’re able to. A bath may be a little more comfortable under the circumstances, and you should get the help of a friend or partner to get you out of the bathtub.

The best doctor for cosmetic surgery in NJ

Anthony Berlet, M.D. is a well-established plastic surgeon who has been in practice for over 20 years in northern New Jersey. He has a very strong reputation as a plastic surgeon due to his expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures.

He was recognized repeatedly as a “Top Doctor” by New York and New Jersey Magazine as well as Castle Connolly for the New York Metropolitan area. His clients consist of many high-profile people in the entertainment industry including many models and centerfolds.

In addition to being a highly skilled plastic surgeon, Dr. Berlet is also an architect, medical illustrator, and author. He has an extensive artistic background that allows him to see patients from a three-dimensional perspective.

The primary focus of Dr. Berlet’s cosmetic practice is to create a natural, refreshed appearance and avoid a “plastic, over surgical” look. His favorite quote to patients is “You are here for rejuvenation, not alteration”. He practices what he preaches. He also corrects the “surgical” look by taking a 3-dimensional approach to every aspect of one’s appearance.

Here’s a testimonial from one of Dr. Berlet’s patients:

“It’s been five years since you performed my breast augmentation surgery. For the past four years, I’ve been living in South Florida, which as you know, is one of the “plastic surgery capitals” of the world! I know I thanked you years ago, but I have to tell you – over the years I’ve received so many compliments on the surgery you did for me, I had to thank you again!”

If you are interested in having the smoothest cosmetic surgery recovery possible, schedule a consultation with Dr. Berlet to learn more.